What is a Vaccine?

A vaccine is a treatment method that aims to strengthen the immune system against a disease by giving the body a weakened, disease-free form of a microorganism. Vaccines help the body develop a defense against bacteria, viruses or other pathogens. This defense is provided by antibodies that can recognize and destroy microbes. Vaccines are generally used to prevent a disease or reduce the severity of the disease. These microorganisms administered to the body are not strong enough to cause disease, but they stimulate the immune system sufficiently so that it can produce a rapid and effective response when the same microorganism is encountered later.

How Does a Vaccine Work?

The mechanism of action of vaccines is based on the "memory" capacity of the immune system. When the human body first encounters a disease-causing microorganism (virus, bacteria, etc.), the immune system recognizes this microorganism and develops a defense mechanism against it. A vaccine trains the immune system by introducing a microorganism to the body in a form that will not cause disease (weakened, dead or genetically modified). In this way, the immune system responds more quickly and strongly when it later encounters a real infection.

The microorganisms or parts of these microorganisms in the vaccine are perceived as foreign by the immune system and antibodies are produced against them. In addition, the immune system creates "memory cells". These cells are quickly activated when the same microorganism enters the body again and prevent the spread of the infection. This protects the individual from the disease.

What are the Benefits of Vaccines?

While vaccines provide significant benefits for individual health, they also play a critical role in terms of public health. The main benefits of vaccines are as follows:

Prevents Diseases: Vaccines are the most effective tool in preventing a number of infectious diseases. For example, diseases such as measles, polio, influenza, hepatitis and COVID-19 have been significantly controlled thanks to vaccines. Vaccines protect the community by preventing the spread of these diseases.
Increases the Immunity Level in the Community: An increase in the number of vaccinated individuals creates a situation called "herd immunity". This means that there are enough vaccinated people in the community to prevent the spread of the disease. Herd immunity also protects individuals who cannot be vaccinated or who have a weak immune system.

Reduces the Severity of Diseases: Vaccines can reduce the severity of a disease. For example, a flu vaccine allows someone infected with the flu virus to have a milder illness. This is especially important for people with a weak immune system.

Reduces Healthcare Expenditures: Vaccines reduce the burden on the healthcare system by preventing diseases. Since vaccinated individuals are less likely to get sick, treatment and care costs are reduced. In addition, loss of labor is prevented.

Ensures the Eradication of Infectious Diseases: Some diseases can be almost eliminated with regular vaccination programs. For example, smallpox is a disease that has been eradicated worldwide. Polio has reached the stage of being completely eliminated in some regions. By expanding vaccination, diseases that have posed major health threats in the past can be brought under control.

Ensures Personal Safety: Vaccines protect individuals from serious illnesses and potentially fatal infections. Unvaccinated individuals are at a higher risk of infection. Therefore, vaccines play an important role in ensuring personal health security.

Prevents Epidemics and Pandemics: Vaccines are the most effective defense tool against global health threats, especially pandemics. Thanks to vaccines, the rate of spread of diseases can be controlled and major epidemics can be prevented.

Supports Children's Health Development: Vaccines strengthen children's immune systems, protecting them from serious and deadly diseases. Vaccinated children grow up healthier and encounter fewer diseases at school or in the community.

“Vaccines have a significant impact on individual and community health. It is of great importance to continue vaccination programs to protect both personal and community health. Vaccines are vital not only for preventing diseases, but also for building a healthier society.”